14 Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World

In fact, sauna on Christmas is one of the oldest and most cherished holiday traditions in Finland. Traditionally, every family member takes a sauna bath on Christmas Eve. Before the days of electric saunas, it took a lot of time and effort to heat the sauna properly to ensure that everyone could enjoy the experience before the holiday dinner. The Christmas sauna is a moment for people to unwind, cleanse their bodies and minds, and embrace peace and tranquility.

The atmosphere in the Christmas sauna is created with candles and lanterns. Aromatic oils and fresh, crisp towels are essential for the experience. Before Christmas Eve, it’s important to thoroughly clean the sauna. After the sauna, family members dress up, enjoy a festive meal, and receive gifts from a special guest from Lapland – Joulupukki, also known as Santa Claus. After the Christmas dinner, don’t forget to bring some of the holiday food into the sauna. According to Finnish beliefs, each sauna has its own spirit, known as 'saunatonttu,' who should be treated with care and respect.

Noche de Rábanos, or 'Night of the Radishes,' is a unique tradition held on December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico. The radish carving festival began when local woodcarvers sought to attract shoppers at the city’s Christmas markets during a particularly bountiful radish harvest. Instead of carving wood, they applied their skills to oversized radishes, using their irregular shapes to create intricate and striking works of art with bright red exteriors and white interiors. Today, the tradition has evolved into an extraordinary competition that marks the official start of Christmas festivities.

The annual radish carving contest began in 1897 when Oaxaca’s mayor, Francisco Vasconcelos, decided to make it a part of the city's Christmas market, where flowers, herbs, traditional holiday ingredients, and decorations were sold. Radishes, long an essential ingredient in Oaxaca’s Christmas cuisine and also used as holiday decorations, became the centerpiece of the competition, offering a fun way to promote local agriculture. Visitors eagerly wait in line for hours to admire the carvings, so it’s a great idea to grab some Bunuelos, a traditional fried dough pastry dusted with cinnamon, while you wait.

Star lanterns are perhaps the most iconic Christmas symbol in the Philippines—brightly colored, crafted with love, and shining with the festive spirit. Filipinos place great significance on the symbol of light, with the star representing both a source of illumination and a beacon of hope in this predominantly Christian country in Asia. However, this beautiful tradition wouldn’t exist without the tireless efforts of Fernandinho, and the ingenuity of his people.

Thanks to Parul Sampernandu, San Fernando earned the title of the 'Christmas Capital of the Philippines.' The lantern industry in San Fernando grew out of the Giant Lantern Festival held annually in December. This tradition began in Bacolor, where a much simpler version of the lantern celebration was first held. Over time, the festival grew more elaborate, with the lanterns becoming larger and more intricate. In 1931, the arrival of electricity in San Fernando sparked the birth of the first Giant Lantern Festival.

Replacing bamboo with steel frames, lantern makers now construct their creations with custom-made designs. The frames are lined with cardboard and aluminum foil, followed by the monumental task of placing over 5,000 bulbs and wiring them together with hundreds of meters of electrical wire. What started as simple paper lanterns affixed to bamboo frames has now evolved into breathtaking, colorful, and complex displays of artistry.

According to Ukrainian legend, a widow lived with her children in a humble cabin, with a pine tree growing just outside. One day, a pine cone fell from the tree, and the children eagerly cared for it, hoping to grow a Christmas tree. Thanks to their efforts, the cone blossomed into a healthy tree. However, the family had no decorations to adorn the tree. They went to bed in tears, saddened by their barren tree. During the night, the spiders in the cabin heard the family's cries.

In response, the spiders spun delicate, shimmering webs to decorate the tree. When the family awoke and the children opened the window, the sunlight gleamed on the webs, turning them into beautiful silver and gold. Today, Ukrainians continue the tradition of decorating their Christmas trees with spider webs and spider-shaped ornaments made of precious stones. The tradition serves as a reminder of all they have to be thankful for, even in tough times or during a modest Christmas. It is also believed to bring good fortune for the upcoming year.

The Gävle Goat is a giant straw goat that is erected each Christmas in the town of Gävle, Sweden. Essentially, it’s a massive Yule Goat, a traditional symbol of the Yuletide season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. First installed in 1966, the most recent Gävle Goat stood 42 feet tall and weighed 3.6 tons. Every year, someone attempts to burn down the goat, which has become a notorious part of the holiday season—often, they succeed. In 2016, the goat was set ablaze just hours after its unveiling, but by 2020, it remained untouched.

The strange saga of the Gävle Goat began in 1966 when someone had the idea to create a giant version of Sweden’s traditional straw Christmas goat. The aim was to attract visitors to the shops and restaurants in the southern part of the town. On the first Sunday of Advent in 1966, the enormous goat was placed in Castle Square. Since then, the Gävle Goat has become a Christmas icon, erected in the same spot every year. It is now the largest straw goat in the world, and was first entered into the Guinness World Records in 1985.

Only about 1% of Japan's population practices Christianity, with the majority following Shintoism or Buddhism. Christmas is not even an official holiday in Japan. However, one Christmas tradition has gained widespread popularity: KFC Japan. While other brands have tried and failed to replicate KFC's success in the Christmas fried chicken market, KFC has maintained its dominance for decades. The iconic “My Old Kentucky Home” jingle has been featured in Christmas commercials for over 20 years, signaling to the public that the holiday season has arrived.

Starting in the 70s and 80s, KFC's commercials began portraying a festive family gathering around a golden, crispy fried chicken feast. This image of fried chicken as an essential part of a luxurious Western-style Christmas quickly caught on. KFC Japan now sells millions of pieces of fried chicken each holiday season, with preparations starting as early as July. Around six weeks before Christmas, pre-orders begin to pour in, with up to 40% of all holiday orders placed in advance.

KFC Japan experiences its highest sales from December 23 to 25, selling approximately 800,000 Christmas packages and 300,000 larger party platters. This accounts for roughly one-third of KFC Japan’s annual revenue. Customers can customize their orders, choosing from various options such as chicken wings, tender meat, breadcrumbs, or even a whole roasted chicken. In addition, side dishes like mixed salad, shrimp gratin, and Japanese Christmas cakes like tiramisu are also available.

The Spanish Christmas Lottery began in 1812 in Cadiz as a way for the government to raise funds for the Spanish army fighting against Napoleon's forces. Today, the average Spaniard spends around 66 euros each year on lottery tickets, which isn’t as much as the prize money itself. What makes the Spanish Christmas Lottery so special is the concept of sharing the prize with family and friends, creating a sense of communal excitement.

The National Christmas Lottery is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Spain. It is the largest lottery draw in the world, with billions of euros awarded each year. The tradition of buying lottery tickets at The Golden Witch has become a national pastime, with millions of people eagerly hoping for a chance to win the massive jackpot, known as 'El Gordo' (which translates to 'The Fat One').

During the holiday season, long lines form outside lottery kiosks and stretch down the streets, with festive lights adding to the atmosphere. Spaniards, while running errands or doing holiday shopping, eagerly purchase their tickets, dreaming of winning the grand prize. The real charm of the lottery, however, lies in the communal nature of the prizes, with families and communities coming together to share the winnings. It’s this tradition that makes the Spanish Christmas Lottery so beloved, and it has become the source of the iconic lottery slogan.

In Ireland, there is a cherished tradition on Christmas Eve known as the "Candle in the Window". Families place a large candle in the biggest window of their home, often the living room window, where it will burn brightly through the night.

The candle is lit at dusk and left to burn throughout Christmas Eve, casting a soft, glowing light that shines through the entire night. This tradition is said to symbolize the welcoming of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter before the birth of Jesus. It also represents a beacon of hope and sharing during the Christmas season. The candle can be seen as a symbol of God's light or an expression of love and kindness that the Irish wish to extend to others during this festive time.

Julebord is one of Norway's most cherished Christmas traditions. It's a festive gathering organized by companies, schools, community groups, or clubs, typically held before Christmas itself.

At a julebord, guests come together to enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes such as salted lamb ribs (pinnekjøtt) or roasted pork (ribbe), accompanied by sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, and various spices. The event takes place in a cozy setting that invites relaxation and festive cheer. After the meal, many julebord continue into late-night parties, where people dress up and keep enjoying food and drinks. It’s a time for sharing, creating memories, and reveling in the joyful spirit of the season. This tradition fosters a sense of togetherness and offers a perfect opportunity for people to unwind and connect after a year of work or study.

In Austria, the tradition of Krampus plays an important role in the Christmas festivities. Krampus is a fearsome creature, often depicted as a demon or imp, who is said to appear around Christmas time. In folklore, Krampus is a companion of Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus is believed to punish those who have been naughty or misbehaved. He is typically portrayed in dark clothing, with a beard and a terrifying face, complete with horns.

During the holiday season, Krampus parades take place in various cities and villages across Austria, where men dressed as Krampus march through the streets. They wear frightening masks and make loud noises to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community. Despite Krampus's menacing appearance, the tradition serves as a fun way to teach children about good behavior and the consequences of misdeeds. It’s a deeply rooted part of Austria’s unique Christmas culture and celebrations.

La Befana is one of Italy’s most unique and beloved Christmas traditions. She is depicted as an old witch, often regarded as Italy's counterpart to Santa Claus, but with a distinct cultural twist. According to legend, on the night before Epiphany, January 5th, La Befana travels across Italy on a magical broom to deliver gifts to children. What sets her apart from Santa Claus is both the timing and method of gift-giving. La Befana visits not only the well-behaved children but also the naughty ones, in her own special way.

Children leave their stockings out for La Befana, along with short letters expressing their wishes and dreams. Rather than entering through the front door like Santa, she climbs down the chimney to place her gifts into bags or baskets set on the fireplace. La Befana represents the fusion of Christian beliefs with Italy’s rich folklore and embodies kindness and love for children. This tradition has become a cherished part of the Christmas celebrations in Italy.

Germany is often credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, and one of its more unusual and lesser-known customs is hiding a pickle ornament on the tree. This quirky tradition involves placing a pickle-shaped ornament among the branches of the Christmas tree. The first person, usually a child, to find the hidden pickle is said to receive a special gift or be granted good luck for the coming year. The true origin of this custom is a subject of debate, but it remains a fun and beloved part of Christmas in many German households.

Whether or not real pickles were ever used, the tradition now often features a glass or plastic pickle ornament. In fact, Berrien Springs, Michigan, a town that calls itself the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World, has hosted an annual Christmas Pickle Parade from 1992 to 2005, and resumed it in 2021 after a 16-year hiatus. It has become one of the most delightfully odd modern holiday customs, adding an element of fun and surprise to the Christmas celebration.

In and around the capital city of Caracas, Venezuela, people celebrate Christmas morning by heading to church on roller skates. Combining extreme sports with Christmas might sound unusual, but in regions with winter sports traditions, it’s not that strange. However, roller skating to Christmas Mass in Venezuela is definitely unique. The tradition is so popular that, every year, by 8 a.m., the streets of Caracas are closed off to traffic, making way for the skaters gliding their way to church. This quirky custom has become a hallmark of Venezuelan Christmas culture, making it instantly recognizable.

Children in Venezuela are also known to tie skate laces around their toes and leave the other end hanging out the window. As roller skaters pass by, they tug on the laces, signaling to the children that it’s time to put on their roller skates. The exact origins of this tradition are unclear, but it is believed to have started as a substitute for the traditional snowy Christmas, as temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere can reach as high as 30°C in December. The contrast between the joyful roller skating and the solemnity of the holiday crowds reflects the vibrant and unique culture of Venezuela.

On Christmas Eve in the Netherlands, children traditionally place a shoe by the fireplace or sometimes on the windowsill and sing Sinterklaas songs. They hope that Sinterklaas will visit during the night and leave gifts. They also believe that if they leave a bit of hay and a carrot in their shoe for Sinterklaas's horse, they will find some sweets or small presents. In many households, children are told that Sinterklaas and his helper, Piet, visit weekly, so the children will leave their shoes by the fire or window every Saturday until the main Sinterklaas celebration on December 5th.

For most children in the Netherlands, the most important day in December is December 5th, when Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) brings gifts! The use of 'Zwarte Piet' (Black Pete) is now controversial, as traditionally the helpers dressed as Zwarte Piet were often white people painted black, a practice now considered racist. Today, it's more common to see 'Soot Piet', where helpers have soot marks on their faces instead of full blackface. The Sinterklaas parties are usually held on Saint Nicholas' Eve, where treasure hunts with riddles and clues are part of the fun.